Ward has made 13 appearances for Norwich this season

Norwich City defender Elliott Ward says he has developed a mean streak since moving to Carrow Road.

After picking up five yellow cards this season, Ward was suspended for the first time in his career and missed Tuesday's 2-1 defeat by Crystal Palace.

He told BBC Radio Norfolk: "I think you've seen a few more tackles from me this season than I normally do.

"It's a bit of a change in my game, but it's something I've had to do to become a better and more aggressive player."

The 25-year-old, who joined the Canaries in the summer after being released by Coventry, added: "I joked with somebody before that I don't normally tackle, but I do since I came here."

606: DEBATE We did miss Ward, I really rate him Norfolk n Chance

Ward is available again for Saturday's visit of Middlesbrough and is expected to slot straight back into the heart of the Norwich defence alongside Leon Barnett.

The pair played together for seven months at Coventry and the Canaries kept back-to-back clean sheets in the last two matches they played together.

"It's nice for both of us to get the games and be playing every week," added Ward.

"Hopefully we will do our job Saturday and keep the clean sheet and get the win."

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